2009/10/12
Ivor Markman HERALD PHOTOJOURNALIST
DESTRUCTION ... The lane behind the Baakens Street old court house and police station. The pile of bricks on the ground, the remains of a wall higher up and a roof of a covered area which has been partially removed can clearly be seen in this photograph. In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, it is illegal to make any alterations to a building older than 60 years without a permit from PHRA. Picture: IVOR MARKMAN
DESTRUCTION ... The lane behind the Baakens Street old court house and police station. The pile of bricks on the ground, the remains of a wall higher up and a roof of a covered area which has been partially removed can clearly be seen in this photograph. In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, it is illegal to make any alterations to a building older than 60 years without a permit from PHRA. Picture: IVOR MARKMAN
A SECTION of the outer wall of the old post office building facing away from Baakens Street in Port Elizabeth has been destroyed and the roof has been removed.
The section which overlooks the lane behind the old police station is now completely open to the elements.
The old post office, courthouse and former police station at Baakens Street are owned by Ummi Properties Ltd, one of Ken Denton’s companies.
Asked why the roof had been removed and by whom, Denton said: “Our buildings are being constantly raped by thieves (after) scrap metals ... We have spent a fortune on security guards and caught countless criminals in the act of damaging the building. To date, none of these criminals has been convicted of the crimes.
“Also, no real effort has been made to deal with the scrap merchants who encourage crime by purchase stolen building elements.
“An application was made to the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (PHRA) in 2007.
“Despite reminders, no progress has been made with it.”
According to Nicola Darke, a member of the old permit committee, a demolition application was received from Denton in October 2007. “Due to the scale of the proposed development which exceeded 5000m², we requested a Heritage Impact Assessment ... This was never forthcoming.”
In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999: “No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority.”
The police station in Baakens Street, with police barracks as well as extensions to the existing 1884 courthouse building, was opened in 1899.
Herald
